(Photo bby Dmytro Glazunov for Unsplash)
Tree Lights
I remember, long ago, a
Giant pine tree in
Our front yard alight with
Big Bulb Christmas lights
We all had them
They were all we had to choose from
And that was just fine.
I liked the blue ones best
Even those with a few spots of
Color worn away, like
Tiny stars in their own
Blue Christmas universe.
I could stare at their beauty
Against the darkness of the tree, against the
Darkness of a winter night
Against cold loneliness
Forever.
Now, these days
Our neighbors on the right
Deck their halls and
Trees and bushes in
Tasteful white
With a lovely white
Sparkly reindeer
Twinkle twinkle.
Those to the left of us
Hang glittering balls of
Brilliance in their patient maple
They wink in shy pastels
(Nothing too risque)!
And then there’s us
In full-on Trailer Park
The orphan strings from a
Dozen Christmases
Some garish balls with
A few lights out, loudly
Blaring shameless color and
No Apology.
Each year we win for
Tackiest Display, we are
Undefeated in the category!
As for me
I still kind of ache
For a string of those old Big Bulbs
(with a few extra blue ones)
Antiques now, I suppose, and
Not up to safety code.
Just like us.
Love this one!
Faith, it was fun to write and it took me to unexpected places. That’s always a treat!